Chapter 28: The Mysterious Guest Professor

Zhao Qiming's smile froze as the grayed-out holographic portrait pulsed like a forbidden sigil. His fingers danced through encrypted data streams:

Qin Wuyan · Authority Level: Classified - Absolute

Position: Special Guest Professor (No teaching obligations)

Tier: Unknown (Suspected Peak Eighth-Tier)

"Six years ago, he single-handedly fought the Ninth-Tier Mutant Beast—the Nine-Headed Serpent Emperor—for three days and nights, ultimately slaying it." Zhao pulled up grainy satellite footage of a black-clad man standing atop the decapitated serpent. "Already an Eighth-Tier Special Ability Holder then. Now? Unfathomable."

"That's epic!" Lin Ye's eyes blazed. "Can I apprentice under him?"

"By power alone, he's ideal. But know why I didn't recommend him?" Zhao closed the feed, gaze heavy.

"Does he… have eccentric demands?" Lin Ye ventured.

Zhao shot him an exasperated look. "Five years ago, Qin Wuyan became our Guest Professor under the Headmaster's direct decree—no teaching required. Guess how many disciples he's taken since?"

"Zero?"

"Correct." Zhao sighed. "Countless prodigies tried. One persisted three years before quitting. Still keen?"

"I'll try." Lin Ye's quiet resolve hung unshakable.

"Ballsy! Maybe you'll crack him." Zhao barked a laugh.

"Professor Zhao," Lin Ye pulled up Su Qingyue's file. "My cousin dreams of attending here."

 "Ranked 8th in Qingyang City?" Zhao Qiming scanned the data stream. "Normally, she wouldn't qualify for an interview." His smile turned sly. "But S+ Tier Special Admissions have recommendation privileges—if she passes the Freshman Grand Exam in one month."

"Freshman Grand Exam?" Lin Ye's voice vibrated with anticipation.

"Held one week after term starts. Rankings determine resource allocations, and the rewards…" Zhao leaned closer. "For Su Qingyue, my requirement is simple: avoid the bottom 50 ranks. For you—" He jabbed a finger. "Top 5."

"How generous," Lin Ye deadpanned internally. Confidence surged—with over a month to advance to Special Ability Holder tier, he could dominate. Su Qingyue's odds worried him.

Imperial Capital University admitted over 3,500 freshmen annually. Surviving the bottom 50 sounded easy… until you considered the 5 million Martial Arts Exam candidates. Every admitted student was a one-in-ten-thousand genius. Avoiding last place? Brutal.

"What if we fail?" Lin Ye pressed.

"Su gets expelled," Zhao said calmly, sipping tea. "But we'll transfer her to a suitable university. Still in?"

"Let me consult her." Lin Ye retreated to his third-floor bedroom, initiating a video call.

Su Qingyue's hologram materialized. Before he finished explaining, she blurted: "I accept. This chance—I'll seize it. Thank you, Lin Ye."

She knew her scores barred even auditing rights here. This lifeline was Lin Ye's gift. "Can I arrive early too? To prepare." She left unsaid her real motive: training beside him.

 "Alright, I'll consult Professor Zhao." Lin Ye ended the call and descended to the lounge. Zhao Qiming approved without hesitation. After exchanging pleasantries, the professor departed.

Lin Ye relayed the confirmation to Su Qingyue, whose eagerness overflowed. She planned to arrive in two days. They finalized meeting details.

Villa No.23 – Third Floor

Lin Ye unpacked in his 1,600 sq ft bedroom. The space boasted separate zones for rest, study, and leisure, plus a walk-in closet and sunlit balcony. Luxury redefined.

As dusk fell, he headed to the Fifth Dining Hall. The amber-lit venue stunned him—its holographic menu featured Mutant Beast ingredients priced in Credits. The cheapest item, Shadowcat Steak, cost 0.1 Credit (5,000 Great Xia Dollars).

"Mutant Beast meat's this valuable? Gotta stockpile more!" Lin Ye lamented losing government-reclaimed beasts from the entrance exam.

"Maybe stick to regular food…" The budget section offered affordable meals.

"First-timer?" A cafeteria auntie rapped quantum glass. "Try Thunderbird Egg Custard—Grade 2 eggs with Snow Ginseng. Boosts lightning resistance."

Lin Ye caved, spending 2 Credits. The first spoonful sent electric tingles through his veins. Lightning patterns on his skin flared like circuitry. "Worth every Credit. Need to grind harder."

Professor Residential Zone

Post-dinner, Lin Ye followed holographic coordinates to faculty housing—a secluded lakeside villa cluster nestled against mountains.

Villa No.89, Qin Wuyan's residence, stood at the zone's deepest point. The structure blended ancient Great Xia aesthetics with modern minimalism. Pale cyan wind chimes hung beneath the eaves.

"Here for Master Qin too?" A roguish voice interrupted.

Lin Ye turned to face a black-shirted youth with cropped hair and a roguish grin. "You're also seeking apprenticeship?"

"What if I am?" The stranger spread his hands. "Save your breath. He won't take you."

"How'd you know?" Lin Ye countered. "Maybe he'll recognize my potential?"

"Five years. Zero disciples." The youth's smile turned strained. "If anyone gets in, it's me! I've been trying since last year!"

"Apprenticeship isn't first-come-first-served!" Lin Ye scoffed. "Talent matters, senior!"

A voice like tempered steel sliced through their argument:

"Silence."